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Raven Symoné on Being a Role Model and Her Next (Sister) Act

We've loved Raven-Symone since her days as Olivia on The Cosby Show, and now the star is all grown up -- and headed to the convent. The actress recently took over the part of nightclub singer-turned-nun Deloris Van Cartier in...

We've loved Raven-Symone since her days as Olivia on The Cosby Show, and now the star is all grown up -- and headed to the convent. The actress recently took over the part of nightclub singer-turned-nun Deloris Van Cartier in Sister Act, now on Broadway. We caught up with Raven-Symone to talk about being a role model, her artistic hobby and having Whoopi as her mentor.

Tell us about She's the First. What inspired you to get involved with the Plan It Forward campaign?

She's the First is an incredible not-for-profit organization that helps girls around the world gain an education and graduate. I'm so excited to be a part of this campaign, because it not only provides women with tools to help them set their future plans, it also gives them the inspiration to help achieve them. I think that any young woman can achieve anything they put their mind to, with a plan. You can visit the Plan It Forward section of HerCampus.com to learn more. As part of the campaign, Merck is giving She's the First $25,000 to help others around the world plan their futures.

You've been in show business practically all of your life. How have you managed to stay so grounded growing up in the spotlight?

I don't try to be someone I'm not. I really try to keep my personal life personal and just promote my work. I want my family to be proud of me.

You're now starring in Sister Act on Broadway, playing the character made famous by Whoopi Goldberg. Did Whoopi have any tips for you when you took on the role?

Working with Whoopi was a dream come true. She instilled a lot of confidence in me, partially for just believing in me that I could do this role -- but I took every piece of advice she gave me to heart. One of her biggest points was to follow and trust the director, Jerry Zaks -- he is a genius at his job.

As a Broadway actor, your schedule can be crazy between performances, rehearsals and appearances. How do you make time in each day for yourself?

When I can find a spare moment, I paint! I plan to start going to some of the great museums in New York (Raven-Symone is normally based in LA). I've learned to take time for myself as much as I possibly can. I know if I set aside time to do what I love, I won't feel so stressed.

What healthy snacks did you rely on to charge you up in the middle of a long day on stage?

I snack on almonds or carrots -- something that's crunchy and filling. But I have to admit, there are times where I reach for the Kit Kat bar instead! I also drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

How do you stay healthy?

Sometimes it can be hard to stay on track, but when you're doing eight shows a week, you have to make sure you're treating your body and your mind well. And you have to have a plan! For anyone looking to be health-conscious, I'd stress how important it is to be happy with yourself for who you are, first and foremost. Being healthy is more than just working out or eating right -- it's about stress management, too. If you get off your plan, don't be too hard on yourself, because every minute is an opportunity to start again.

How do you stay fit?

I try to keep it simple by eating smaller portions and focusing on the positives to help me stay on track with my routine. I love to dance and be active -- lately, my role in Sister Act on Broadway has been keeping me moving! I do need stamina to keep the energy up during performances, so I'm still trying to adjust. I also meditate, just to clear my mind.

If you only have 15 minutes a day, what would be the one fitness thing you'd be sure to fit in?